Beech Mountain, N.C. is a prime destination for outdoor adventure all year long. Our cool summer and fall seasons offer biking, hiking, fishing, roller skating, and dry tubing, while winter in the highest town in eastern America provides the perfect climate for skiing, tubing, snowboarding and ice skating. And you won’t want to miss the Beech Mountain Brewery, or local winery tours and great dining options. That covers a lot, but it is still only part of the story.
Beech Mountain hosts a variety of festivals and events all year long. From June Family Fun Month, featuring tours of the Land of Oz, the Beech Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series featuring Steep Canyon Rangers, Acoustic Syndicate, Galactic and more, and the Mile High Kite Festival every Labor Day weekend, this unique destination provides experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
The Beech Mountain Brewing Company hosts a free after-party at their Taproom and Grill following each of the Beech Mountain Resort’s Summer Concerts, with more great music. Visitors can also enjoy many other outdoor activities offered at the resort, including downhill mountain biking, high-altitude disc golf, hiking and Mile High Yoga.
In August, The Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom and Grill and the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria will be the venues for the Beech Mountain Throwback Music Weekend, August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The family-friendly event takes place over three days. Friday and Saturday night performances are at the Taproom and all performances are free, but donations are accepted at the Friday and Saturday night shows. The Throwback Music Weekend will feature music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, though a few stray tunes from this century might sneak in here and there.
If all this music isn’t enough for you, there is also an iconic craft festival on the mountain on Saturday, August 3rd. The grassy area beside Fred’s General Mercantile is the site for the annual Crafts on the Green, which features over fifty vendors. This event also features music and food, and there is always something new to discover.
Other activities this summer include a Hike and Wine Package that includes lodging, wine tastings and outdoor recreation for two, and a Bike and Brew Package that has lodging, biking, beer tasting, and outdoor recreation. The summer isn’t complete without the 16th Annual Mile High Kite Festival, which takes place on Labor Day weekend. This year, professional kiters will hold a competition on Saturday, August 31st, with free kites for kids both days, and public flying and games on Sunday, September 1st.
As you can see from this sampling of things to do, making Beech Mountain your skiing destination is a great decision, but coming back to enjoy the mountain and all it has to offer all year is downright brilliant!
Story: Kate Gavenus